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Interview with Helen Harper, author of Box of Frogs

What can you tell us about your new release, Box of Frogs?

Box of Frogs is the first in a brand new trilogy set in Manchester, England. The main character is a young woman who wakes up on a golf course in the middle of the night, with a decapitated corpse next to her. She can't remember who she is or who she got there but it's long before she realizes that not only is she almost universally despised but she also possesses some strange magical powers. There's a flicker of romance, spadefuls of humor and lots of exciting adventure!

What or who inspired you to become an author?

I've always been a huge reader - I love books which offer pure escapism so fantasy has always been my main love, even though I read eclectically. When I read so much that I ran out of urban fantasy books to read, the only alternative was to write my own!

What's on your top 5 list for the best books you've ever read?

In no particular order ... The Many Coloured Land by Julian May, The Long Walk by Richard Bachman aka Stephen King, Daughter of the Empire by Janny Wurts and Raymond E Feist, French Relations by Fiona Walker, Best Served Cold by Joe Abercrombie

Say you're the host of a literary talk show. Who would be your first guest? What would you want to ask?

Margaret Mitchell. What REALLY happened to Scarlett O'Hara after Gone With The Wind ended?

What's your favorite thing about writing?

That I get to make stuff up for a living!

What is a typical day like for you?

A vatful of coffee, a long doggy walk in the woods or on the beach, four hours or so of writing followed by answering emails/marketing/business, then wine and trashy television. Although I've actually recently started fostering children so it also depends on who's in the house.

What scene in Box of Frogs was your favorite to write?

Madrona, the main character, decides that her magical powers mean she's a superhero. She visits a charity shop and ends up buying a leotard, a cape and a mask. Unfortunately, the end result is more like a crazed woman than a stupendous heroine. Especially when it starts to rain...

Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?

Tomorrow is another day. If it didn't work out today or life isn't going as I expected, it's okay because nothing ever stays the same. I'm an optimist at heart.

Helen Harper is the author of the new book Box of Frogs. 

Connect with Helen:
Author Page
Twitter

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Interview with Claire Fullerton, author of Mourning Dove

What can you tell us about your new release, Mourning Dove?

Mourning Dove is a coming-of-age, Southern family saga set in the genteel side of 1970's Memphis.  Millie and Finley Crossan are eighteen months apart, and are moved by their Southern belle mother from the bucolic  lake area of Minnesota to the Deep South, so they grow up in the culture as outsiders, with keen eyes to Southern nuance. It is the story of the bond of siblings who share a history but come to disparate ends in a manicured world where all that glitters is not gold.

What or who inspired you to become an author?

I believe it was the inexplicable need to keep a journal from a young age that spawned my aptitude for the written word. Eventually, if one keeps a journal, writing becomes a second nature means of self-expression, and one fine-tunes it along the way. Keeping a journal developed my knack for telling a story, as did reading.

What's on your top 5 list for the best books you've ever read?

The Prince of Tides by Pat Conroy, A Separate Peace by John Knowles, The Mermaids Singing by Lisa Carey, One Foot in Eden by Ron Rash, and Peachtree Road by Anne Rivers Siddons.

Say you're the host of a literary talk show. Who would be your first guest? What would you want to ask?

Sadly, he's no longer on this earth, but I would love to interview Pat Conroy, who spent 40 years of his career turning his own personal narrative into the some of the best fiction ever written.

What's your favorite thing about writing?

The creative, insular zone I get into when writing a story, and the never ending search for the perfect word!

What is a typical day like for you?

When in the process of writing a novel, it is an all day, every day affair. I go to my desk first thing in the morning and keep at it all day, with breaks involving addressing whatever is pressing-- typically it's my two German shepherds who need attention!

What scene in Mourning Dove was your favorite to write?

There's a family scene that takes place at the family dinner table during Thanksgiving. All kinds of chaos ensues, for it is a miss-matched group in a step-family. The Colonel is new to Millie and Finley, as he has recently married their mother. Elderly, Southern characters, two family maids and two young children are involved and nobody can relate to anybody.

Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?

Always do your best!

Claire Fullerton is the author of the new book Mourning Dove. 

Connect with Claire:
Author Page
Twitter

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Interview with Theresa Hissong, author of Rocked

What can you tell us about your new release, Rocked?

Rocked is a reverse harem novel centered around the #1 rock band, Cycle of Sin, and their tour manager, Bristol Mateo. The band vows their love to her after she finds herself falling in love with each of the five band members during their tour across the world. It’s an unconventional relationship, and you’ll have to read it to see how it all plays out.

What or who inspired you to become an author?

When I was a kid, I would make up stories in my head to help me go to sleep at night. As I grew older, I would catch myself daydreaming a lot more, but I never wrote them down. I liked keeping the stories for myself at that stage in my life.

In 2009, my husband deployed to Iraq for almost a year. My neighbor, and best friend, told me I should try to write a book while he was gone to help the time pass. At first, I laughed it off, but after I put the kids to bed that first night, I opened up a Word document, and started writing.

In four months, I’d written a book with all of my friends as characters and set it aside. I never thought I’d ever try to publish that book, and I stuck to my job as a mom and an Air Force wife. I found that I loved writing, and eventually opened another document…and another…and another. For the next five years, during his long deployments, I would write.

In 2013, he retired from the military, and I was able to pursue my dream of publishing. I released my first book in June of that year. I’ve been writing ever since.

What's on your top 5 list for the best books you've ever read?

1.      A Streetcar Named Desire – Tennessee Williams

2.      The Vision – Dean Koonz

3.      Water for Elephants – Sara Gruen

4.      Twilight – Stephenie Meyer

5.      Dark Lover – JR Ward

Say you're the host of a literary talk show. Who would be your first guest? What would you want to ask?

I would love to ask JR Ward about her world in the Black Dagger Brotherhood novels.  I really want to get inside her head and ask what gave her the idea.

What's your favorite thing about writing?

I love escaping into my thoughts and creating a story. It’s a total rush of adrenaline when you are in “the zone” with writing, and I seek that out every day.

What is a typical day like for you?

I start my day with coffee and social media. I enjoy interacting with fans online, and I use that as my morning routine. First and foremost, I’m a mom, and I take many breaks during the day to run errands for the family. Writing happens mid-morning to lunchtime and after dinner, but most of my writing is done late at night after the house has gone silent.

What scene in Rocked was your favorite to write?

There’s a scene on a hotel balcony…that’s all I’m going to give away.

Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?

Actually, yes, I do. I have wanderlust something fierce, and I love to travel. Sitting still bores me, and I want to see and experience so many things before my time here is through. When people ask me how I tolerate constantly being on the go, I tell them, “You only get one shot at this life. Don’t be on your deathbed and have regrets.”

Theresa Hissong is the author of the new book Rocked. 

Connect with Theresa:
Author Page
Twitter

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Interview with Nikki Jefford, author of Born Wild

What can you tell us about your new release, Born Wild?

It’s a tale of tragedy, loss, and second chances. Wolfrik, the pack’s last living pureblooded wolf shifter, has been through hell. It appears he’ll never overcome his past and be capable of giving or receiving love. Then there’s Kallie, another damaged soul, who has to deal with the unwanted advances of one of the pack’s elders. She, too, is convinced that her physical wounds mean there’s no hope of ever claiming a mate of her own. Meanwhile, a runaway from the human world is about to shake things up in the hollow.

BAM. You're a superhero. What's your superpower?

Luck—the kind Zazie Beetz’s character Domino has in “Deadpool 2.” But I’d want to transfer it to other people. Anyone deserving, and in need, could contact me and say, “Hey, Nikki, I’m down on my luck.” And I’d reply, “No, prob, let me fix that for you!”

What's on your top 5 list for the best books you've ever read?

Five all-time favorites include: 1) A Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J. Maas; 2) Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling; 3) Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin; 4) Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austin; and 5) Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery.

Say you're the host of a literary talk show. Who would be your first guest? What would you want to ask?

Sarah J. Maas. “How do you do it? Seriously, what do you eat, read, and do as part of your daily routine to be such a brilliant storyteller?”

What's your favorite thing about writing?

Getting the opportunity to make new friends, visit new places, fall in love, (be sarcastic), and save the day over and over again.

What's on your writing desk?

It’s barebones: Computer, Echo Dot, Kleenex (ultra soft), desk lamp, Passion Planner, unicorn pen, coaster, and a mug of tea.

What scene in Born Wild was your favorite to write?

I’m not going to lie, I love the sexy scenes! Writing that first heated exchange between the hero and heroine is particularly fun. In Born Wild, Wolfrik leaps on top of Kallie as she’s attempting to flee the hollow on four legs at night. She bites him. They shift. There’s nakedness. Sarcasm. And heat. It’s the beginning of their attraction, friendship, and the love to come. I love reading and writing those gateway moments.

If you’d like to read their scene, it’s included in the first three chapters preview available to download free here: http://nikkijefford.com/born-wild-preview/

Nikki Jefford is the author of the new book Born Wild. 

Connect with Nikki:
Author Website

 Twitter

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Books To Read If You Like Jonathan Moeller

Books To Read If You Like Jonathan Moeller

Jonathan Moeller is the bestselling author of urban and epic fantasy novels. Some of his most popular releases include Frostborn, Sevenfold Sword, Demonsouled, and Tower of Endless Worlds series. An exciting journey awaits with these new fantasy books to read if you like Jonathan Moeller!



Box of Frogs

by Helen Harper

Release Date: July 5, 2018

Madrona isn't having a good week. But everything is going to be okay. All she needs to do is find out who she really is, protect a soap star from being attacked by a stalker and work out why everyone seems to be afraid of her.

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The Caves of Kendalini

by Dom Cutrupi

Release Date: April 12, 2018

Jonathan, Melody, Twla, Ren and her sisters only narrowly escaped their foes at the US Embassy in Shanghai. They are armed with Ren's mother's dying wish--to find Arsha's legacy and those who speak the ancient tongues. They must travel through the tropics to the South Indian city of Kanchipuram.

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Age of War

by Michael J. Sullivan

Release Date: July 3, 2018

The alliance between humans and Fhrey is fragile. Persephone keeps the human clans from turning on one another through iron will and a compassionate heart. The Fhrey are barely held together by leader, Nyphron, who wants to advance his own nefarious agenda.

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A Flicker of Steel

by Steve McHugh

Release Date: July 3, 2018

Layla is finally coming to terms with her supernatural powers. She has left her old life behind and has been thrust into a new world of magic and monsters...But her enemies are relentless.

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Kingdom of Ash and Soot

by C.S. Johnson

Release Date: July3, 2018

Nineteen-year-old Eleanora Svobodova has worked as a servant in her stepmother's house for the last ten years. She dreams of the day she will be free to live her own life. When her estranged grandmother comes to Prague on behalf of Queen Victoria, everything changes.

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The Book of Unwinding

by J.D. Horn

Release Date: June 26, 2018

The warring factions of New Orleans witches are desperately looking for the Book of the Unwinding. This legendary grimoire is hidden by spells and holds the key to unimaginable powers. As a struggle erupts, psychic Nathalie Boudreau finds her destiny intertwined with an exiled witch.

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New Mystery and Thriller Books to Read | July 3

Hold on to the edge of your seat as we hunt for clues and solve the case with these exciting new mystery and thriller books for the week! There are so many bestselling authors with new novels for you to dive into this week including Kerry Lonsdale, Paul Doiron, Riley Sager, Dervla McTiernan, and many more. Enjoy your new mystery, thriller, and suspense novels. Happy reading!



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New Romance Books to Read | July 3

Searching for some hot new release romance books? You’ll adore these exciting new novels! This week you can get your hands on books by bestselling authors Amarie Avant, Deanna Richmond, Emma Calin, Carolyn Brown, Shana Galen, and more. Enjoy your new romance books and happy reading!



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New Books to Read in Literary Fiction | July 3

Are you searching for some new books to read in literary fiction? This week’s new releases list is full of intriguing new reads you won’t want to miss! The new releases list includes so many bestselling authors like Elyssa Friedland, Suzanne Rindell, Ayse Kulin, Ella Carey, and many more. Enjoy your new literary fiction books. Happy reading!



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New Science Fiction and Fantasy Books | July 3

Are you ready to journey to new worlds and embark on exciting adventures? This week’s selection of new science fiction and fantasy books will surely please! Fantasy fans should be excited about the latest from bestselling authors Steve McHugh, Robert J. Crane, Anthony Ryan, and more. If Science Fiction is what your library needs, you’ll be able to pick up the latest from Christopher Ruocchio, Michael Z. Williamson, and more. Enjoy your new science fiction and fantasy books. Happy reading!


Fantasy


Science Fiction


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New Young Adult Books to Read | July 3

Can’t get enough young adult fiction? This week you are in luck! With all of these new novels, you’re bound to find a new favorite read for your library. This week includes new novels from bestselling authors Rachel Caine, Kimberly McCreight, Lindsey Duga, Emily France, and many more. Enjoy your new young adult books. Happy reading!



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